Facebook Releases Open Source Encryption APIs

Facebook has released Conceal, a set of Java APIs for fast encryption and data authentication. Conceal was developed to encrypt large data files (e.g., SD cards) on Android. With the release, Facebook targets older Android devices with less memory and slower processors. Facebook currently deploys Conceal to help protect users' private data and is now launching its functionality to the developer community.

Facebook has released Conceal under a permissive open source, BSD license. Conceal was developed using the open source software created by the OpenSSL Project. Facebook seeks to simplify encryption by eliminating the possibility of endless encryption algorithms and options. Instead, Conceal uses Facebook set defaults.

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Conceal consists of a set of Java APIs. The methods include standard encryption, decryption, and integrity verification that come standard with most encryption APIs. The key value to the Conceal set of APIs lies in its ability to encrypt large data files when resources are limited. For more information, integration examples, and documentation, go to the Conceal GitHub site.

Facebook constitutes one of the world's largest holders of private information. Thus, a strong encryption platform should come as a given. Although Conceal has already been deployed by Facebook for its own operations, Android developers have been left to use other encryption methods. Facebook has now opened Conceal to a broader community, and developers can start integrating the Java APIs under an open source license today.

About the author:Eric Carter
Eric the founder of Dartsand and Corporate Counsel for a specialty technology distributor. He is a frequent contributor to technology media outlets and also serves as primary legal counsel for multiple startups in the Real Estate, Virtual Assistant, and Software Development Industries. Follow me on Google+